Over 50,000 people filled Berlin’s streets on Saturday to support Palestinians and condemn the Gaza war.
Protesters chanted “free, free Palestine” and demanded urgent action to end Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
Police deployed 1,800 officers to monitor the march, which began at Alexanderplatz and ended at the Victory Column.
Demonstrators called on Germany to stop exporting weapons to Israel and urged the EU to impose sanctions.
Around 50 groups, including Amnesty International and Die Linke, organized the rally. Some protests faced police intervention.
Counter-Rallies and Scuffles Reported
Another demonstration in Kreuzberg broke up after participants shouted anti-Israel slogans, police confirmed.
Meanwhile, about 100 people rallied in support of Israel and against antisemitism, according to broadcaster RBB.
Clashes occurred when opposing groups crossed paths, though it remains unclear if protesters fought each other or police.
Wider European Protests and War Background
Thousands marched in Düsseldorf under the banner “we will not forget Gaza — freedom for Palestine.”
In Geneva, 6,000 people joined demonstrations calling for peace and an end to the conflict.
Other European capitals also reported rallies in solidarity with Palestinians.
The Gaza war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing nearly 1,200 civilians.
Hamas kidnapped 251 people during the assault, with Israel estimating 20 of 48 hostages remain alive.
Israel’s military campaign since then has killed more than 65,100 people in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Germany, a major supplier of arms to Israel, blocked EU criticism of Israel’s campaign but shows increasing doubts.
Government officials recently expressed concern over the humanitarian toll, signalling a possible shift in Berlin’s position.
